Welcome, welcome Dan
Lots of great info here so far. I hope we haven't overwhelmed but your leather working skills and your mother's quilting legacy will give you a great foundation!
First of all don't be intimidated by the beautiful quilts your mother and others have made. It pays to start simple with appropriate expectations. I started out making quilts that a kid could drag through mud holes and be washed for another round of fun the next day. That puts things into perspective! I still love to make quilts like that. I can do fancy schmantzy but mostly I make charity quilts for kids to use and love. There's a place for every quilt we make!
You have lots of good advice so far but there are a couple of tips more I can add. First look up steam vs no steam and the difference between ironing and pressing. Your iron is as essential as your sewing machine! Next that 1/4 inch seam needs to be a scant one. That means about 1 thread shy so you can account for the fold. And. Finally, your machines sound just fine but they need TLC. I am sure this is no news to you. If you go looking fo another one the needle down feature is a good one. You will find that leaving that needle down when you stop is as good as a bookmark.
Nearly every quilter here is wishing they could bring/send you some fabric, some of their extra tools, scissors and cutters, and help you get started! We are quilters. You know already from your own mother that we are the most generous people on the planet. We are here for you. It's how we roll!